New for 2024, the premium-positioned SunChaser Calais is a well-engineered and family-friendly pontoon. With a Yamaha F300, it cranked off a 45.2 mph top speed, planing in 3.6 seconds and reaching 30 mph in just 5.5 seconds. That’s super quick. At a best-cruise speed of 19.6 mph and 3,000 rpm, we recorded just 5.8 gph, calculating to 3.4 mpg. The Calais features SunChaser’s X-Treme PR25 performance package, which includes 25-inch-diameter triple ’toons with a 60-gallon tank in the center tube, extruded lifting strakes on all three tubes, a Performance Shield underskin to help smooth water and wind flow under the deck, a deck-mounted ski tow, SeaStar hydraulic steering, and Heavy Hat construction. This all helps to keep the Calais rigid, minimizing flex and vibration in rough water while enhancing acceleration and handling ability.
Aboard, the Calais is loaded with standard features. The premium coffee-and-brown two-tone upholstery is a soft-touch vinyl with recessed lower lumbar that creates extra-easy stowage for phones and other small gear. Seat bases are Rotocast plastic, covered nicely with vinyl for a premium appearance. The layout is traditional fore and aft, with facing loungers in both sections separated by the captain’s console amidships. The helm is sleek and well-protected with a framed black-powder-coated safety-glass windshield that keeps wind and spray away from the pilot. The driver’s console is elevated off the deck 3 inches, providing better visibility. A Simrad GO7 multifunction screen dominates the dash, with all boat and engine functions and monitoring available with a touch on the screen prompts.
The Audio Plus 225 premium sound-system package is standard and features four JL Audio speakers and a JL MM50 head unit. The optional lighting package features RGB mood lighting abovedecks (in the floor and cup holders), and in the underdeck and underwater lights. Power Assist hydraulic steering is a worthy option that reduces the amount of muscle needed to steer the powerful Yamaha outboard.
High Points
- Simrad GO7 display shows engine performance, fuel and battery levels, and all boat controls via CZone switching.
- Optional tower looks sharp and sturdy.
- Power Assist hydraulic steering makes handling easy.
How We Tested
- Engine: Yamaha F300 four-stroke 300 hp
- Drive/Prop: Outboard/15 3/4″ x 15″ Yamaha Saltwater Series II 3-blade stainless steel
- Gear Ratio: 1.75:1 Fuel Load: 50 gal. Crew Weight: 260 lb.
Pricing and Specs
| MSRP: | $139,880 (as tested) |
| LOA: | 25’8″ |
| Beam: | 8’6″ |
| Draft: | NA |
| Dry Weight: | 3,570 lb. |
| Seat/Weight Capacity: | 12/1,695 lb. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 60 gal. |
SunChaser Pontoon Boats – New Paris, Indiana; sunchaserboats.com
